Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder marked by repetitive pauses in breathing during sleep. The most prevalent types are obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), where throat muscles relax, and central sleep apnea (CSA), where the brain fails to send proper signals to control breathing. These interruptions, called apneas, lead to brief awakenings, preventing restful sleep. Symptoms include loud snoring, excessive daytime sleepiness, and difficulty concentrating. If untreated, sleep apnea can contribute to hypertension, heart disease, and stroke. Diagnosis often involves sleep studies, and treatments range from lifestyle changes and devices like CPAP machines to surgical interventions, aiming to improve airflow and alleviate symptoms.